FAQ: Health of Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons display a number of common behaviors that may indicate underlying health issues. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the health of your bearded dragon.

What is the white stuff in my Bearded Dragons poop?That is the urates (pee), just like a bird.

My Bearded Dragon has messy, smelly poop. Is that normal?It can be, depending on diet. If you are concerned, get a fecal. (Take a fresh poop sample to the vet to check for parasites.)

My Bearded Dragon has not pooped in days. Should I be concerned?What goes in one end needs to come out the other. As Bearded Dragons get older they don't poop as often. Adults may only poop several times a week. You can give him a warm bath to help him go. It will relax him. If you see him straining or twitching his back legs or problems walking, he may be impacted. If a warm bath does not work, go to a vet fast as impaction can kill your Bearded Dragon in a short time.

I just got my Bearded Dragon and he is not eating very much. What could be wrong?Many BDs take a while to get acclimated before they start eating well. Give it a few more days. Cage size and basking temps can also effect eating.

My Bearded Dragon is not eating very much and is not very active. What could be wrong?He could be getting ready to brumate. Make sure your basking temperature is at 110-115F.

My Bearded Dragon sleeps all the time, is he sick?Some Bearded Dragons "Brumate" sort of like hibernation, for up to months at a time.

Is it normal for my Bearded Dragon to keep his mouth open?Gaping is a way that they cool off. If he does it all the time your temps may be to hot or it could be an Upper Respiratory Infection (URI). If he is gaping all the time, has a mucus around the mouth or nose or has difficulty breathing, get to a vet for a prescription of Baytril ASAP.